Here's Our First Look at Apple's New 'FineWoven' Apple Watch Bands

[MacRumors]

In a departure from leather, Apple is expected to unveil an all-new line of FineWoven Apple Watch bands made from artificial materials, and these images are said to be our first look at what one of the official bands look like.

Sourced by prototype device collector and leaker Kosutami, the images allegedly show one of Apple's official bands, which are described as being lightweight, thin, and smooth.

The bands are allegedly made from recycled nylon and polyester, with a twill weave pattern. Apple may have chosen these materials in an effort to appear eco-friendly, while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint through the use of fabric-based leather substitutes.

According to Kosutami, the bands are also set to feature a splash-resistant coating, although the bands themselves are not fully waterproof.

According to the leaker, Apple created six color options for the FineWoven watch bands, but is only set to announce three of them during the special event today. The exact colors remain unknown at the time of writing.

Kosutami also clarified that the FineWoven bands would be made by the same manufacturer that makes bands for the AppleWatch Ultra, with the materials allegedly being sourced from Japan.

Previous rumors have suggested that Apple will be removing leather options from its assortment of iPhone cases. Similar to the rumored FIneWoven Apple Watch bands, rumors claim that Apple also plans to release iPhone cases made from an artificial leather material under the same "FineWoven" moniker.

Information on the iPhone cases originated from DuanRui, a leaker who sources information from Chinese social media platforms.

Kosutami previously told MacRumors that Apple plans to discontinue all silicione accessories, and now claims that Apple intends to replace most of its leather accessories with ones made from more eco-friendly materials.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently said that Apple began offering Hermes leather accessories to its employees at discounts of up to 90% last month in an attempt to clear remaining inventory. He also added that he expects Apple to move away from leather on its Apple Watch bands, in addition to phone cases.

For more on what else Apple is expected to reveal at its "Wonderlust" event in a few hours, be sure to check out our latest roundup.

Article Link: Here's Our First Look at Apple's New 'FineWoven' Apple Watch Bands

 

[Parzival]

That actually looks kinda nice

 

[ondert]

Better to keep my leather bands, they might be more precious in time

 

[W2u7Yw4HaD]

/// The bands are allegedly made from recycled nylon and polyester, with a twill weave pattern. Apple may have chosen these materials in an effort to appear eco-friendly, while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint through the use of fabric-based leather substitutes. ///

Sarc on: Yes because nylon and polyester are more eco-friendly than leather.. Let's bury each and see how long it takes to disappear.. The recycled bit is fine of course..

I remain skeptical, they should have introduced these beside the leather and let the consumer decide...

 

[DMG35]

I just want them to come out with a stainless steel or titanium band for the Ultra.

 

[johnnytravels]

They look like stuff that you buy off of vendors on tourist beaches in Italy.

 

[Edsel]

An Apple Pocket Watch would be more eco-friendly & sustainable, right?
/S

 

[dschulian]

I really like having a vegan option.
I know, lots of people hate products that are free from animal suffers, but it's great for the rest of us

 

[Adamj53]

That colour looks horrible - but I quite like the idea for a phone case.

 

[svish]

Looking forward to seeing the colour options. Wonder how much Apple will charge for it

 

[ProfessionalFan]

I really like having a vegan option.
I know, lots of people hate products that are free from animal suffers, but it's great for the rest of us

They weren't killing cows to make watch bands and phone cases, it was using byproducts from already dead animals. I guess you're happy they will toss those parts of poor Bessie into the trash instead of putting them to use though?

 

[oneteam]

I’m thinking that’s going to be priced at $199. New material new price hike 😜

 

[j___e]

They weren't killing cows to make watch bands and phone cases, it was using byproducts from already dead animals. I guess you're happy they will toss those parts of poor old Betsy into the trash instead of putting them to use though?

It goes hand in hand. If nobody needed byproducts of animals, meat wouldnt be that (too) cheap. An dead animal dont care if its skin is used or not.

 

[tomtad]

I really like having a vegan option.
I know, lots of people hate products that are free from animal suffers, but it's great for the rest of us

It’s plastic

 

[dschulian]

They weren't killing cows to make watch bands and phone cases, it was using byproducts from already dead animals. I guess you're happy they will toss those parts of poor old Betsy into the trash instead of putting them to use though?

Ah, didn't know a cow doesn't suffer if killed for eating.
Apart from that, it is not always a by-product. It's in both directions.

Is Leather Ethical? The Full Story Behind The Popular Material - The Eco Hub

Leather is a very controversial topic. In many cases leather is a result of extreme animal abuse, which leads me ask, Is Leather Ethical?

theecohub.com

It’s plastic

Recycled waste.

 

[t0rqx]

They look like stuff that you buy off of vendors on tourist beaches in Italy.

plot twist thats where they get their inventory off.

 

[huffy15]

The leather bands from apple are way too fragile honestly. I'm glad they will stop selling them

 

[dumastudetto]

Sold.

I’m buying.

Take my money Apple.

 

[johntherazz]

Is there not something a bit odd going on with the decision to photograph it on (what appears to be) a leather background? I mean, it’s obvs a hideous object and strange colour choice (which probably means I’ll grow to love it, eventually), but…?!

 

[george88]

isn't that the same material as the packing paper that u get from any amazon delivery..?

 

[japanime]

Is the one in the picture made from finely woven cardboard? 🤣

 

[bLackjackj]

It's just pleather 😂...but I'm sure the Apple tax will be thrown in for good measure..

 

[akashagrawal]

They weren't killing cows to make watch bands and phone cases, it was using byproducts from already dead animals. I guess you're happy they will toss those parts of poor old Betsy into the trash instead of putting them to use though?

Do you have source for that? I know it sounds logical, but I haven't seen a verified metric that the amount of cattle killed for meat corresponds 1:1 with the leather needs. In other words, what if the leather requirement is bigger than what the beef byproduct can provide? Especially because less than 100% of the entire skin actually ends up as leather. Even less ends up as premium top grain leather because it needs to be free from defects.

Additionally, leather tanning is not very ecologically friendly. I'm curious about what they're replacing leather with (once we know for sure) and how the carbon footprint and animal product use compares.

 

[75Batt]

/// The bands are allegedly made from recycled nylon and polyester, with a twill weave pattern. Apple may have chosen these materials in an effort to appear eco-friendly, while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint through the use of fabric-based leather substitutes. ///

Sarc on: Yes because nylon and polyester are more eco-friendly than leather.. Let's bury each and see how long it takes to disappear.. The recycled bit is fine of course..

I remain skeptical, they should have introduced these beside the leather and let the consumer decide...

You obviously missed the word recycled.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

It's just pleather 😂...but I'm sure the Apple tax will be thrown in for good measure..

It is plastic, that's all it is. They can call it "Vegan Leather" but it is just plastic and is less sustainable than leather.